RSPB Scotland has submitted an objection for plans for a golf course at Coul Links

A wildlife charity has hit out at plans for a golf course in a scenic area.

RSPB Scotland has issued an objection to a planning application for a golf course to be created at Coul Links in Sutherland.

The proposals have been submitted by American businessmen Mike Keiser and Todd Warnock, but have drawn opposition from conservation groups.

The charity is warning that the natural flooded dunes on the site provide refuge during winter months for wigeon and teal, while a wide range of red and amber listed species of conservation concern nest amongst the dunes during spring.

Alison Searl, conservation officer at RSPB Scotland said: “There’s a reason why Coul Links is so heavily protected through national and European designations – it’s an outstanding place for nature and an incredibly rare habitat. It cannot be moved or replicated elsewhere; should these proposals be given the go ahead the amazing place would be lost forever and the impact on the birds currently found here throughout the year would be serious.”

However Coul Links project manager Chris Haspell said detailed studies have been carried out in relation to the potential impacts of the development.

He said: “The development touches on less than 2% of the overall site.

“Far from destroying this important habitat, the Coul Links proposal represents the only funded management plan to prevent the site being lost.”